Ink composition, ink cartridge, recording method, and recorded product

ABSTRACT

An ink composition comprising: a betaine-based surfactant represented by the following general formula (1), a defoaming agent in the form of a glycol ether represented by the following general formula (2), and/or a glycol ether represented by the following general formula (3): 
 
(R) p —N-[L-(COOM) q ] r    Formula (1) 
 
(wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group, L represents a divalent or more linking group, M represents a hydrogen atom, alkaline metal atom, ammonium group, protonated organic amino or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group or quaternary ammonium ion group, or represents a group that does not exist as a cation in the case of being a counter ion of an ammonium ion formed by an N atom in formula (1), q represents an integer of 1 or more, r represents an integer of 1 to 4, p represents an integer of 0 to 4, p+r is 3 or 4, N is a nitrogen atom that composes a quaternary amine in the case p+r is 4, R may be the same or different when p is 2 or more, COOM may be the same or different when q is 2 or more, and L-(COOM) q  may be the same or different when r is 2 or more); 
 
 
                 
 
(wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 5 or 6 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3);  
                 
(wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 4 to 6 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3).

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-133572,filed on May 12, 2006 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-309416,filed on Nov. 15, 2006, is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an ink composition and a recordingmethod and recorded article using the same, and more particularly, to anink composition having little foaming and satisfactory defoamingproperties, and therefore having superior reliability (such as cloggingrecoverability and discharge stability), while enabling attractive colordevelopment as well as having superior image durability (such as lightresistance and moisture resistance) and being able to maintain printerperformance for a long period of time, an ink jet recording method thatuses an ink composition having these properties, and a recorded articlethat maintains a state of attractive color development obtained withthat recording method for a long period of time.

2. Related Art

The ink jet recording method is a printing method whereby printing iscarried out by projecting droplets of ink and causing them to adhere toa recording medium such as paper. Improvement of printing quality andstorage of printed articles has been proposed by using for the ink acolorant in the form of a pigment or dye as a composition used togetherwith a surfactant and resin fine particles.

However, since the use of such a surfactant causes the ink to have highfoaming and low defoaming properties due to the properties thereof, inkcompositions containing a surfactant had the problem of lackingreliability in terms of discharge stability, clogging recoverability andthe like (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2004-315739).Therefore, there has been a need for a technology that inhibits foamingand improves defoaming properties for ink compositions containing asurfactant.

On the other hand, studies have also been conducted on a diverse rangeof surfactants (such as betaine-based surfactants) and resin fineparticles in response to a growing demand for higher printing qualityand greater stability of printed articles being placed on ink jetprinters in recent years (see Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.2005-187790).

SUMMARY

With the foregoing in view, a first object of the present invention isto provide an ink composition having little foaming and satisfactorydefoaming properties, and thus having superior reliability (such asclogging recoverability and discharge stability), while also enablingattractive color development, an ink jet recording method that uses anink composition having such properties, and a recorded article havinghigh image quality obtained with that recording method.

With the foregoing in view, a second object of the present invention isto provide an ink composition having little foaming and satisfactorydefoaming properties, superior printing stability, and enabling highprinting quality and recorded article storageability and/or an inkcomposition enabling high image durability and attractive colordevelopment, an ink jet recording method that uses an ink compositionhaving such properties, and a recorded article having high image qualityobtained with that recording method.

As a result of conducting extensive studies to solve the above-mentionedfirst object, the inventors of the present invention obtaining thefinding that an ink composition at least containing a specificbetaine-based surfactant and a specific glycol ether demonstrates theeffects of dramatically improving foaming and defoaming properties.Next, as a result of conducting additional studies on the basis of thisfinding, the inventors of the present invention optimized the ratio atwhich the glycol ether is incorporated in the ink composition.

In addition, as a result of conducting extensive studies to solve theabove-mentioned second object, the inventors of the present inventionobtained the finding that an ink composition at least containing aspecific magenta dye and a specific betaine-based surfactant has highimage durability, and that by further containing a specific defoamingagent, demonstrates the effects of dramatically improving foaming anddefoaming properties.

The present invention provides the following inventions based on thesefindings:

-   [1] The ink composition of the present invention comprises a    betaine-based surfactant represented by the following general    formula (1), a defoaming agent in the form of a glycol ether    represented by the following general formula (2), and/or a glycol    ether represented by the following general formula (3):    (R)_(p)—N-[L-(COOM)_(q)]_(r)   Formula (1)    (wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or    heterocyclic group, L represents a divalent or more linking group, M    represents a hydrogen atom, alkaline metal atom, ammonium group,    protonated organic amino or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group    or quaternary ammonium ion group, or represents a group that does    not exist as a cation in the case of being a counter ion of an    ammonium ion formed by an N atom in formula (1), q represents an    integer of 1 or more, r represents an integer of 1 to 4, p    represents an integer of 0 to 4, p+r is 3 or 4, N is a nitrogen atom    that composes a quaternary amine in the case p+r is 4, R may be the    same or different when p is 2 or more, COOM may be the same or    different when q is 2 or more, and L-(COOM)_(q) may be the same or    different when r is 2 or more);    (wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 5 or 6 carbon atoms,    and n represents an integer of 1 to 3);    (wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 4 to 6 carbon atoms,    and n represents an integer of 1 to 3).-   [2] The betaine-based surfactant represented by formula (1) is a    compound represented by the following general formula (4):    (wherein, R₁ to R₃ represent alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon    atoms, and X represents a divalent linking group).-   [3] The betaine-based surfactant represented by formula (4) is a    compound represented by the following general formula (5).-   [4] The defoaming agent in the form of a glycol ether is one or more    types selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol    mono-n-hexyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, propylene    glycol mono-n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether and    tripropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether.-   [5] The ratio of the content of the glycol ether to the content of    the betaine-based surfactant is a weight ratio of 1.00:0.25 to    1:5.00.-   [6] Moreover, the ink composition of the present invention comprises    a magenta dye represented by the following general formula (6), a    betaine-based surfactant represented by the following general    formula (1), a glycol ether represented by the following general    formula (2) and/or a glycol ether represented by the following    general formula (3):    (wherein, A represents a residue of a five-member heterocyclic diazo    component A-NH₂, B¹ and B² respectively represent —CR¹═ or —CR²═ or    one represents a nitrogen atom and the other represents —CR¹═ or    —CR³═, R⁵ and R⁶ respectively and independently represent a hydrogen    atom, aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, acyl    group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group, carbamoyl group,    alkylsulfonyl group, arylsulfonyl group or sulfamoyl group, each    group may further have a substituent, G, R¹ and R² respectively and    independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, aliphatic    group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, cyano group, carboxyl    group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group,    acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxy    group, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group,    alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, amino group    substituted with an alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group,    acylamino group, ureido group, sulfamoylamino group,    alkoxycarbonylamino group, aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl and    arylsulfonylamino group, aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group,    alkyl and arylthio group, alkyl and arylsulfonyl group, alkyl and    arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group, sulfo group or heterocyclic    thio group, each group may be further substituted, and R¹ and R⁵ or    R¹ and R³ may be bonded to form a five- to six-member ring);    (R)_(p)—N-[L-(COOM)_(q)]_(r)   Formula (1)    (wherein, R represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or    heterocyclic group, L represents a divalent or more linking group, M    represents a hydrogen atom, alkaline metal atom, ammonium group,    protonated organic amino or nitrogen-containing heterocyclic group    or quaternary ammonium ion group, or represents a group that does    not exist as a cation in the case of being a counter ion of an    ammonium ion formed by an N atom in formula (1), q represents an    integer of 1 or more, r represents an integer of 1 to 4, p    represents an integer of 0 to 4, p+r is 3 or 4, N is a nitrogen atom    that composes a quaternary amine in the case p+r is 4, R may be the    same or different when p is 2 or more, COOM may be the same or    different when q is 2 or more, and L-(COOM)_(q) may be the same or    different when r is 2 or more);    (wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 5 or 6 carbon atoms,    and n represents an integer of 1 to 3);    (wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 4 to 6 carbon atoms,    and n represents an integer of 1 to 3).-   [7] The glycol ether is one or more types selected from the group    consisting of ethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, diethylene glycol    mono-n-hexyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, dipropylene    glycol mono-n-butyl ether and tripropylene glycol mono-n-butyl    ether.-   [8] The content of the glycol ether is 0.25 to 5.00% by weight.-   [9] The ratio of the content of the glycol ether to the content of    the betaine-based surfactant is a weight ratio of 1.00:0.25 to    1:8.33.-   [10] The magenta dye represented by the general formula (6) is a    magenta dye represented by the following general formula (7):    (wherein, R₁₁ and R₁₂ respectively and independently represent an    alkyl group, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total number of    carbon atoms that compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more when R₁₁ and    R₁₂ are both alkyl groups, these groups may be further substituted,    R₁₃, R₁₄ and R₁₅ respectively and independently represent a hydrogen    atom, halogen atom, aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic    group, cyano group, carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl    group, aryloxycarbonyl group, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy    group, aryloxy group, silyloxy group, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy    group, heterocyclic oxy group, alkoxycarbonyloxy group,    aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylamino group, arylamino group,    heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group, ureido group,    sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,    aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,    aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group,    alkyl or arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl    group, sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group, each group may be    further substituted, R₁₁ and R₁₅ or R₁₂ and R₁₃ may be mutually    condensed into a ring, X represents a hydrogen atom, aliphatic    group, aromatic group or heterocyclic group, Y and Z respectively    and independently represent a hydrogen atom, aliphatic group,    aromatic group, heterocyclic group, acyl group, alkoxycarbonyl    group, aryloxycarbonyl group, carbamoyl group, alkylsulfonyl group,    arylsulfonyl group or sulfamoyl group, and each group may further    have a substituent).-   [11] The magenta dye represented by the general formula (6) is a    magenta dye represented by the following general formula (8):    (wherein, R₁ and R₂ respectively and independently represent an    alkyl group, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total number of    carbon atoms that compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more when both R₁    and R₂ are alkyl groups, these groups may be further substituted,    R₃, R₄ and R₅ respectively and independently represent a hydrogen    atom, halogen atom, aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic    group, cyano group, carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl    group, aryloxycarbonyl group, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy    group, aryloxy group, silyloxy group, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy    group, heterocyclic oxy group, alkoxycarbonyloxy group,    aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylamino group, arylamino group,    heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group, ureido group,    sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,    aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,    aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group,    alkyl or arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl    group, sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group, each group may be    further substituted, R₁ and R₅ or R₂ and R₃ may be mutually    condensed into a ring, R₁₁ and R₁₂ respectively and independently    represent an alkyl group, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total    number of carbon atoms that compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more    when R₁₁ and R₁₂ are both alkyl groups, these may be further    substituted, R₁₃, R₁₄ and R₁₅ respectively and independently    represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, aliphatic group, aromatic    group, heterocyclic group, cyano group, carboxyl group, carbamoyl    group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group, acyl group,    hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxy group, acyloxy    group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group, alkoxycarbonyloxy    group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylamino group, arylamino group,    heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group, ureido group,    sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,    aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,    aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group,    alkyl or arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl    group, sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group, each group may be    further substituted, R₁₁ and R₁₅ or R₁₂ and R₁₃ may be mutually    condensed into a ring, and M represents hydrogen, lithium, sodium,    potassium, ammonium or an organic amine).-   [12] The magenta dye represented by the general formula (6) is a    magenta dye represented by the following formula (9):-   [13] The content of the magenta dye is 0.50 to 5.00% by weight based    on the total weight of the ink composition.-   [14] The betaine-based surfactant represented by the general    formula (1) is a compound represented by the following general    formula (4):    (wherein, R₁ to R₃ represent an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon    atoms, and X represents a divalent linking group).-   [15] The betaine-based surfactant represented by the general    formula (1) is a compound represented by the following formula (5):-   [16] The ratio of the content of the betaine-based surfactant to the    content of the magenta dye is a weight ratio of 1:1.2 to 1:0.2.-   [17] The ink composition of the present invention is used in an ink    jet recording method in which recording is carried out by    discharging droplets of an ink composition and adhering the droplets    to a recording medium.-   [18] A recording method in which the ink jet recording method uses    an ink jet head that forms ink droplets by mechanical deformation of    a piezoelectric device.-   [19] Moreover, the present invention is a ink jet cartridge filled    with the above-mentioned ink composition.-   [20] Moreover, the ink jet recording method of the present invention    uses the above-mentioned ink composition for the ink composition or    uses the above-mentioned ink cartridge.-   [21] Moreover, a recorded article of the present invention is    recorded according to the above-mentioned ink jet recording method.

The ink composition of the present invention is preferable as an ink forexisting ink jet printers. In addition, since the ink composition hasadequate foaming inhibitory effects and improves defoaming properties,it is able to provide superior reliability and high printed articlequality and printed article storageability in a typical ink jetrecording method.

In addition, since the ink composition of the present invention also hassuperior image durability (such as light resistance and moistureresistance), low foaming, superior defoaming properties and satisfactoryprinting stability, it can be preferably used as an ink for an ink jetprinter. Consequently, the ink composition of the present invention isable to provide recorded articles of high image quality in a typical inkjet recording method.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following provides an explanation of exemplary embodiments of thepresent invention.

[Betaine-Based Surfactant]

The betaine-based surfactant used in the ink composition of the presentembodiment is a betaine-based surfactant represented by the followingformula (1).(R)_(p)—N-[L-(COOM)_(q)]_(r)   Formula (1)

In the above formula (1), R represents a hydrogen atom, alkyl group,aryl group or heterocyclic group. L represents a divalent or morelinking group. M represents a hydrogen atom, alkaline metal atom,ammonium group, protonated organic amino or nitrogen-containingheterocyclic group or quaternary ammonium ion group, or represents agroup that does not exist as a cation in the case of being a counter ionof an ammonium ion formed by an N atom in formula (1). q represents aninteger of 1 or more, and r represents an integer of 1 to 4. prepresents an integer of 0 to 4, and p+r is 3 or 4. N is a nitrogen atomthat composes a quaternary amine in the case p+r is 4. R may be the sameor different when p is 2 or more. COOM may be the same or different whenq is 2 or more. L-(COOM)_(q) may be the same or different when r is 2 ormore.

The betaine-based surfactant used in the ink composition of the presentembodiment is preferably a betaine-based surfactant represented by thefollowing general formula (4) from the viewpoint of improving fixationof the ink composition to a printed article, light resistance and ozoneresistance. One type of compound represented by the following generalformula (4) may be used alone or a plurality of types may be used as amixture thereof.

In the above formula, R₁ to R₃ represent an alkyl group having 1 to 20carbon atoms, and X represents a divalent linking group.

The betaine-based surfactant used in the ink composition of the presentembodiment is more preferably a betaine-based surfactant represented bythe following general formula (5) in terms of improving fixation of theink composition to a printed article.

The content of the betaine-based surfactant used in the ink compositionof the present embodiment is preferably 0.6 to 1.0% by weight based onthe total weight of the ink composition.

[Glycol Ethers]

The glycol ether used in the ink composition of the present embodimentis a glycol ether represented by the following general formula (2)and/or a glycol ether represented by the following general formula (3).

In formula (2) above, R represents an alkyl group having 5 or 6 carbonatoms, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3.

In formula (3) above, R represents an alkyl group having 4 to 6 carbonatoms, and n represents an integer of 1 to 3.

Examples of the glycol ethers represented by the formula (2) includeethylene glycol ethers in which one of the molecular terminals is ahydroxyl group such as ethylene glycol mono-n-pentyl ether, ethyleneglycol mono-isopentyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-neopentyl ether,ethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-isohexyl ether,diethylene glycol mono-n-pentyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-isopentylether, diethylene glycol mono-neopentyl ether, diethylene glycolmono-n-hexyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-isohexyl ether, triethyleneglycol mono-n-pentyl ether, triethylene glycol mono-isopentyl ether,triethylene glycol mono-neopentyl ether, triethylene glycol mono-n-hexylether or triethylene glycol mono-isohexyl ether. Only one type of theseglycol ethers may be added or two or more types may be added as amixture.

Examples of the glycol ether represented by the formula (3) includepropylene glycol ethers in which one of the molecular terminals is ahydroxyl group such as propylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, propyleneglycol mono-isobutyl ether, propylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether,propylene glycol mono-n-pentyl ether, propylene glycol mono-isopentylether, propylene glycol mono-neopentyl ether, propylene glycolmono-n-hexyl ether, propylene glycol mono-isohexyl ether, dipropyleneglycol mono-n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-isobutyl ether,dipropylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether, dipropylene glycolmono-n-pentyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-iso-pentyl ether,dipropylene glycol mono-neopentyl ether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-hexylether, dipropylene glycol mono-isohexyl ether, tripropylene glycolmono-n-butyl ether, tripropylene glycol mono-isobutyl ether,tripropylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether, tripropylene glycolmono-n-pentyl ether, tripropylene glycol mono-isopentyl ether,tripropylene glycol mono-neopentyl ether, tripropylene glycolmono-n-hexyl ether or tripropylene glycol mono-isohexyl ether. Only onetype of these glycol ethers may be added or two or more types may beadded as a mixture.

Among these glycol ethers represented by the general formulas (2) and(3), ethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-n-hexylether, propylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, dipropylene glycolmono-n-butyl ether and tripropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether arepreferable in consideration of use as a defoaming agent in an aqueousmedium in the form of the ink composition.

If the incorporated amount of the glycol ether is excessively low,adequate foaming inhibitory effects and improved defoaming propertiesare unable to be obtained, while if the incorporated amount isexcessively high, printing stability (such as dispersion stability ofthe ink droplets) is impaired. Consequently, in the present embodiment,the glycol ether is preferably contained in the ink composition withinthe range of 0.25 to 5.0% by weight.

By incorporating the betaine-based surfactant and glycol ether at aweight ratio of 1:0.25 to 1:5.00, an ink composition can be obtainedhaving satisfactory balance in terms of allowing the obtaining ofadequate foaming inhibitory effects and improvement of defoamingproperties and superior printing stability for the entire inkcomposition regardless of the type of colorant. In the case of an inkcomposition using a magenta dye represented by general formula (6) forthe colorant as will be described later, by incorporating thebetaine-based surfactant and glycol ether at a weight ratio of 1:0.25 to1:8.33, an ink composition can be obtained having satisfactory balancein terms of allowing the obtaining of adequate foaming inhibitoryeffects and improvement of defoaming properties and superior printingstability.

[Colorant]

A water-soluble dye or pigment can be used for the colorant in thepresent invention provided it can be used in an ordinary ink jetrecording method.

There are no particular limitations on the type of dye, and acidic dyes,direct dyes, reactive dyes or basic dyes can be used, examples of whichinclude C.I. Acid Yellow 17, 23, 42, 44, 79 or 142, C.I. Acid Red 52,80, 82, 249, 254 or 289, C.I. Acid Blue 9, 45 or 249, C.I. Acid Black 1,2, 24 or 94, C.I. Food Black 1 or 2, C.I. Direct Yellow 1, 12, 24, 33,50, 55, 58, 86, 132, 142, 144 or 173, C.I. Direct Red 1, 4, 9, 80, 81,225or227, C.I. Direct Blue 1, 2,15, 71, 86, 87, 98,165, 199or202, C.I.Direct Black 19, 38, 51, 71, 154, 168, 171 or 195, C.I. Reactive Red 14,32, 55, 79 or 249, and C.I. Reactive Black 3, 4 or 35.

A magenta dye represented by the following general formula (6) can bepreferably used for the colorant.

In the above formula, A represents a residue of a five-memberheterocyclic diazo component A-NH₂. B¹ and B² respectively represent—CR¹═ or —CR²═ or one represents a nitrogen atom and the otherrepresents —CR¹═ or —CR³═. R⁵ and R⁶ respectively and independentlyrepresent a hydrogen atom, aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclicgroup, acyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group,carbamoyl group, alkylsulfonyl group, arylsulfonyl group or sulfamoylgroup. Each group may further have a substituent. G, R¹ and R²respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom,aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, cyano group,carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonylgroup, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxygroup, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group,alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, amino groupsubstituted with an alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group,acylamino group, ureido group, sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylaminogroup, aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl and arylsulfonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl and arylthio group, alkyland arylsulfonyl group, alkyl and arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group,sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group. Each group may be furthersubstituted. In addition, R¹ and R⁵ or R¹ and R³ may be bonded to form afive- to six-member ring.

The magenta dye represented by the general formula (6) is preferably amagenta dye represented by the following general formula (7) from theviewpoint of light resistance and ozone resistance.

In the above formula, R₁₁ and R₁₂ respectively and independentlyrepresent an alkyl group, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total numberof carbon atoms that compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more when R₁₁ andR₁₂ are both alkyl groups, and these groups may be further substituted.R₁₃, R₁₄ and R₁₅ respectively and independently represent a hydrogenatom, halogen atom, aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group,cyano group, carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group,aryloxycarbonyl group, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxygroup, silyloxy group, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclicoxy group, alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylaminogroup, arylamino group, heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group,ureido group, sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group, alkylor arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group,sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group. Each group may be furthersubstituted. In addition, R₁₁ and R₁₅ or R₁₂ and R₁₃ may be mutuallycondensed into a ring. X represents a hydrogen atom, aliphatic group,aromatic group or heterocyclic group, and Y and Z respectively andindependently represent a hydrogen atom, aliphatic group, aromaticgroup, heterocyclic group, acyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group,aryloxycarbonyl group, carbamoyl group, alkylsulfonyl group,arylsulfonyl group or sulfamoyl group. Each group may further have asubstituent.

In addition, the magenta dye represented by the general formula (6) ismore preferably a magenta dye represented by the following generalformula (8) from the viewpoint of light resistance and ozone resistance.

In the above formula, R₁ and R₂ respectively and independently representan alkyl group, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total number of carbonatoms that compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more when both R₁ and R₂ arealkyl groups, and these groups may be further substituted. R₃, R₄ and R₅respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom,aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, cyano group,carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonylgroup, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxygroup, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group,alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylamino group,arylamino group, heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group, ureidogroup, sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group, alkylor arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group,sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group. Each group may be furthersubstituted. In addition, R₁ and R₅ or R₂ and R₃ may be mutuallycondensed into a ring. R₁₁ and R₁₂ respectively and independentlyrepresent an alkyl group, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total numberof carbon atoms that compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more when R₁₁ andR₁₂ are both alkyl groups, and these may be further substituted. R₁₃,R₁₄ and R₁₅ respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom,halogen atom, aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, cyanogroup, carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group,aryloxycarbonyl group, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxygroup, silyloxy group, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclicoxy group, alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylaminogroup, arylamino group, heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group,ureido group, sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group, alkylor arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group,sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group. Each group may be furthersubstituted. In addition, R₁₁ and R₁₅ or R₁₂ and R₁₃ may be mutuallycondensed into a ring. M represents hydrogen, lithium, sodium,potassium, ammonium or an organic amine.

In addition, the magenta dye represented by the general formula (6) ismore preferably a magenta dye represented by the following formula (9)from the viewpoint of obtaining adequate color density and maintainingclogging recoverability.

The content of the magenta dye is preferably 0.50 to 5.00% by weightbased on the total weight of the ink composition from the viewpoint ofobtaining adequate color density and maintaining clogging reliability.In addition, by incorporating the magenta dye and the betaine-basedsurfactant at a weight ratio of 1:1.2 to 1:0.2, an ink composition canbe obtained having satisfactory balance in terms of having superiorimage durability (such as light resistance and moisture resistance) andadequate clogging recoverability.

If the static surface tension of the ink composition in the presentembodiment is excessively low, a stable discharge volume and projectionform may not be obtained, while if the static surface tension isexcessively high, generated bubbles may be difficult to dissipate. Thus,the static surface tension is preferably within the range of 20 to 40mN/m, and more preferably within the range of 26 to 34 mN/m.Furthermore, static surface tension in the present invention refers tothe value measured using a commercially available Wilhelmi surfacetensiometer according to a method complying with JIS K 3362.

Moreover, since discharge stability decreases if the viscosity of theink composition in the present embodiment at 20° C. is excessively lowor excessively high, it is preferably within the range of 2 to 10 mPa·s,and more preferably within the range of 3.5 to 4.5 mPa·s. Furthermore,this viscosity can be measured with a commercially available viscometerand the like.

[Other Ink Components]

Moreover, in the present embodiment, a nonionic surfactant, anionicsurfactant and cationic surfactant may be contained in addition to thebetaine-based surfactant described above, and a nonionic surfactant isparticularly preferably contained from the viewpoint of obtaining an inkcomposition having suitable static surface tension.

More specific examples of nonionic surfactants include acetyleneglycol-based surfactants, acetylene alcohol-based surfactants,ether-based surfactants such as polyoxyethylene nonyl phenyl ether,polyoxyethylene octyl phenyl ether, polyoxyethylene decyl phenyl ether,polyoxyethylene alkyl allyl ether, polyoxyethylene oleyl ether,polyoxyethylene lauryl ether, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether orpolyoxyalkylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene oleic acid, ester-basedsurfactants such as polyoxyethylene oleic acid, polyoxyethylene oleicacid ester, polyoxyethylene distearic acid ester, sorbitan laurate,sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan monooleate, sorbitan sesquioleate,polyoxyethylene monooleate or polyoxyethylene stearate, silicon-basedsurfactants such as dimethylpolysiloxane, and fluorine-containingsurfactants such as fluoroalkylesters and perfluoroalkyl carboxylates.

Furthermore, these nonionic surfactants are preferably contained at 0.1to 5% by weight in the ink composition from the viewpoint of obtainingan ink composition having suitable static surface tension.

In addition, among the above-mentioned nonionic surfactants, acetylenealcohol-based surfactants are particularly preferable since they exhibitlittle foaming and have superior defoaming performance.

Although more specific examples of acetylene alcohol-based surfactantsinclude 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decene-4,7-diol,3,6-dimethyl-4-octene-3,6-diol and 3,5-dimethyl-1-hexene-3-ol, thesesurfactants can be also be acquired in the form of commerciallyavailable products, examples of which include Saffinol 104, 82, 465, 485or TG manufactured by Air Products Japan Inc. and Olfine STG or OlfineE1010 manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.

Moreover, the ink composition of the present embodiment may also containa permeation promoter. There are no particular limitations on thepermeation promoter used in the ink composition of the presentembodiment, and glycol ethers are particularly preferable.

Specific examples of glycol ethers include ethylene glycol monomethylether, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether,ethylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate, diethylene glycol monomethylether, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, diethylene glycolmono-n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol monoisopropyl ether, diethyleneglycol monoisopropyl ether, ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, ethyleneglycol mono-tert-butyl ether, diethylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether,1-methyl-1-methoxybutanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, propyleneglycol monoethyl ether, propylene glycol mono-tert-butyl ether,propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, propylene glycol monoisobutylether, dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, dipropylene glycol monoethylether, dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether and dipropylene glycolmonoisopropyl ether, and one type of these glycol ethers may be used ortwo or more types may be used as a mixture.

Furthermore, these permeation promoters are preferably added in amountwithin the range of 0.25 to 10% by weight to the ink composition fromthe viewpoint of securing proper physical property values (such asviscosity) of the ink composition and securing printing quality andreliability.

A pH adjuster, antioxidant, ultraviolet absorber, antiseptic/antimoldagent and the like can be added to the ink composition of the presentembodiment as described above as necessary.

Examples of pH adjusters that can be used include alkaline metalhydroxides such as lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or sodiumhydroxide, and amines such as ammonia, triethanolamine,tripropanolamine, diethanolamine or monoethanolamine. In addition,collidine, imidazole, phosphoric acid, 3-(N-morpholino)propane sulfonicacid, tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane or boric acid and the like can beused as a pH buffer as necessary.

Examples of antioxidants and ultraviolet absorbers used includealohanates such as alohanate or methyl alohanate, biurets such asbiuret, dimethyl biuret or tetramethyl biuret and L-ascorbic acid andsalts thereof, as well as Tinuvin 328, 900, 1130, 384, 292, 123, 144,622, 770 or 292, Irgacor 252 or 153, or Irganox 1010, 1076, 1035 orMD1024 all manufactured by Ciba Geigy Co., Ltd., and lanthanide oxides.

Examples of antiseptics and antimold agents include sodium benzoate,sodium pentachlorophenol, sodium 2-pyridinethiol-1-oxide, sodiumsorbate, sodium dehydroacetate and 1,2-dibenzisothiazolin-3-one (ProxelCRL, Proxel BDN, Proxel GXL, Proxel XL-2 or Proxel TN available fromAvecia Biologics Ltd.).

In addition, the main solvent contained in the ink composition of thepresent embodiment is water. Pure water or ultra-pure water and the likesuch as ion exchange water, ultrafiltration water, reverse osmosis wateror distilled water can be used for this water. The use of water that hasbeen sterilized by ultraviolet irradiation or addition of hydrogenperoxide and the like is particularly preferable in terms of allowingthe ink composition to be stored for a long period of time by preventinggrowth of mold and bacteria.

[Ink Jet Recording Method]

Although the ink composition of the present embodiment can be preferablyused in a writing instrument such as a pen or in a stamp and the like,it can be used more preferably in an ink jet recording method in whichdroplets of the ink composition are discharged and the droplets areadhered to a recording medium. Here, an “ink jet recording method”refers to a method in which an ink composition is discharged from a finenozzle in the form of liquid droplets and the droplets are adhered to arecording medium, specific examples of which are described below.

A first example of an ink jet recording method is an electrostaticattraction method. In this method, a strong electric field is appliedbetween a nozzle and acceleration electrodes placed in front of thenozzle, ink in the form of droplets is sprayed continuously from thenozzle, and a printing information signal is applied to deflectionelectrodes and recorded during the time the ink droplets are projectedbetween the deflection electrodes, or the ink droplets may be sprayedcorresponding to the printing information signal without beingdeflected.

A second example involves applying pressure to an ink with a small pumpand forcibly spraying ink droplets by mechanically oscillating thenozzle with a crystal unit and the like. The sprayed ink droplets arecharged simultaneous to being sprayed, and a printing information signalis applied to deflection electrodes and recorded during the time the inkdroplets are projected between the deflection electrodes.

A third example is a method that uses a piezoelectric device (piezodevice). Recording is carried out by applying pressure to the inkdroplets with a piezoelectric device simultaneous to the application ofa printing information signal followed by spraying the ink droplets.

A fourth example is a method in which ink droplets are made to rapidlyswell in volume due to the action of thermal energy. Recording iscarried out by heating and foaming the ink with microelectrodesaccording to a printing information signal followed by spraying the inkdroplets.

Any of these methods can be used for the ink jet recording method thatuses the ink of the present embodiment, and the ink can be filled intoeach type of ink jet cartridge.

In addition, examples of a “recording medium” in the present embodimentinclude, but are not particularly limited to, paper (such as Xerox P(trade name: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.), Xerox 4024 (trade name: Xerox Co.(USA)) or Crispia Photographic Paper <High Gloss> (trade name: SeikoEpson Corp.)).

[Recorded Article]

A recorded article of the present embodiment is that on which recordinghas been carried out by the ink jet recording method described aboveusing the previously described ink composition. Since this recordedarticle is obtained by the above-mentioned ink jet recording methodusing the previously described ink composition, it has satisfactoryprinting quality, demonstrates superior printing stability, demonstratesattractive color development and is able to maintain the attractivecolor development over a long period of time.

EXAMPLE A

EXAMPLES 1 TO 32 AND COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 1 TO 32

The ink compositions of Examples 1 to 32 and Comparative Examples 1 to32 were prepared by mixing and dissolving each component at theformulation ratios shown in Tables 1 to 4 followed by subjecting topressure filtration with a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) filter havinga pore diameter of 1 μm.

Furthermore, each component of the ink compositions shown in Tables 1 to4 is indicated as the percent by weight of each component based on thetotal weight of the ink composition, and the balance of each compositionis comprised of water.

In Tables 1 to 4, [1] represents C.I. Acid Red 52, [2] a betaine-basedsurfactant represented by formula (4), [3] an acetylene glycol-basedsurfactant manufactured by Nissin Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., [4] anantiseptic/antimold agent manufactured by Arch Chemicals Japan Co.,Ltd., [5] disodium dihydrogen ethylenediamine tetraacetate, [6]dipropylene glycol mono-n-ethyl ether, [7] dipropylene glycolmono-n-propyl ether, [8] propylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, [9]dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, [10] tripropylene glycolmono-n-butyl ether, [11] propylene glycol monomethyl ether, [12]dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, [13] dipropylene glycolmono-n-pentyl ether, [14] propylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, [15]propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, [16] ethylene glycol, [17]diethylene glycol, [18] triethylene glycol, [19] propylene glycol, [20]ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, [21] diethylene glycol monomethylether, [22] diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, [23] diethylene glycolmono-n-propyl ether, [24] ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, [25]diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, [26] diethylene glycolmono-n-pentyl ether, [27] ethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, [28]diethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether and [29] ethylene glycol monooctylether. TABLE 1 Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex. 3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Dye 1 [1]2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Betaine-based 1.00 1.00 1.001.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 surfactant [2] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 Triethylene 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 glycolmonobutyl ether Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [3]Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [3] Triethanol0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 amine Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [4] EDTA [5]0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 DPGmEE [6] DPGmPrE [7] PGmBE0.25 [8] DPGmBE 0.25 [9] TPGmBE 0.25 [10] PGmME [11] DPGmME [12] DPGmPE0.25 [13] PGmHE 0.25 [14] PGmPrE [15] EG [16] DEG [17] TEG [18] PG [19]EGmME [20] DEGmME [21] DEGmEE [22] DEGmPrE [23] EGmBE [24] DEGmBE [25]DEGmPE 0.25 [26] EGmHE 0.25 [27] DEGmHE 0.25 [28] EGmOE [29] Water 68.0268.02 68.02 68.02 68.02 68.02 68.02 68.02 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Ex. 9 Ex. 10 Ex. 11 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex.14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16 Dye 1 [1] 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00Betaine-based 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 surfactant [2]Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Triethylene 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.009.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 glycol monobutyl ether Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.700.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [3] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 PD002W [3] Triethanol 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 amineUrea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.300.30 XL-2 [4] EDTA [5] 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 DPGmEE[6] DPGmPrE [7] PGmBE 5.00 [8] DPGmBE 5.00 [9] TPGmBE 5.00 [10] PGmME[11] DPGmME [12] DPGmPE 5.00 [13] PGmHE 5.00 [14] PGmPrE [15] EG [16]DEG [17] TEG [18] PG [19] EGmME [20] DEGmME [21] DEGmEE [22] DEGmPrE[23] EGmBE [24] DEGmBE [25] DEGmPE 5.00 [26] EGmHE 5.00 [27] DEGmHE 5.00[28] EGmOE [29] Water 63.27 63.27 63.27 63.27 63.27 63.27 63.27 63.27Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

TABLE 2 Ex. 17 Ex. 18 Ex. 19 Ex. 20 Ex. 21 Ex. 22 Ex. 23 Ex. 24 Dye 1[1] 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Betaine-based 1.00 1.00 1.001.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 surfactant [2] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 Triethylene 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 glycolmonobutyl ether Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [3]Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [3] Urea 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [4]EDTA [5] 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 DPGmEE [6] DPGmPrE [7]PGmBE 0.25 [8] DPGmBE 0.25 [9] TPGmBE 0.25 [10] PGmME [11] DPGmME [12]DPGmPE 0.25 [13] PGmHE 0.25 [14] PGmPrE [15] EG [16] DEG [17] TEG [18]PG [19] EGmME [20] DEGmME [21] DEGmEE [22] DEGmPrE [23] EGmBE [24]DEGmBE [25] DEGmPE 0.25 [26] EGmHE 0.25 [27] DEGmHE 0.25 [28] EGmOE [29]Water 68.42 68.42 68.42 68.42 68.42 68.42 68.42 68.42 Total 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Ex. 25 Ex. 26 Ex. 27Ex. 28 Ex. 29 Ex. 30 Ex. 31 Ex. 32 Dye 1 [1] 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.002.00 2.00 2.00 Betaine-based 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00surfactant [2] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.002-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Triethylene 9.009.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 glycol monobutyl ether Olfine 0.700.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [3] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [3] Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.300.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [4] EDTA [5] 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.020.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 DPGmEE [6] DPGmPrE [7] PGmBE 5.00 [8] DPGmBE 5.00[9] TPGmBE 5.00 [10] PGmME [11] DPGmME [12] DPGmPE 5.00 [13] PGmHE 5.00[14] PGmPrE [15] EG [16] DEG [17] TEG [18] PG [19] EGmME [20] DEGmME[21] DEGmEE [22] DEGmPrE [23] EGmBE [24] DEGmBE [25] DEGmPE 5.00 [26]EGmHE 5.00 [27] DEGmHE 5.00 [28] EGmOE [29] Water 63.67 63.67 63.6763.67 63.67 63.67 63.67 63.67 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00

TABLE 3 Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ex. 1 Ex. 2 Ex.3 Ex. 4 Ex. 5 Ex. 6 Ex. 7 Ex. 8 Dye 1 [1] 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.002.00 2.00 Betaine-based 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00surfactant [2] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.002-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Triethylene 9.009.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 glycol monobutyl ether Olfine 0.700.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [3] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [3] Triethanolamine 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.400.40 0.40 0.40 Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.300.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [4] EDTA [5] 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.020.02 0.02 0.02 DPGmEE 1.00 [6] DPGmPrE 1.00 [7] PGmBE [8] DPGmBE [9]TPGmBE [10] PGmME 1.00 [11] DPGmME 1.00 [12] DPGmPE [13] PGmHE [14]PGmPrE 1.00 [15] EG [16] 1.00 DEG [17] 1.00 TEG [18] 1.00 PG [19] EGmME[20] DEGmME [21] DEGmEE [22] DEGmPrE [23] EGmBE [24] DEGmBE [25] DEGmPE[26] EGmHE [27] DEGmHE [28] EGmOE [29] Water 67.27 67.27 67.27 67.2767.27 67.27 67.27 67.27 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ex. 9 Ex.10 Ex. 11 Ex. 12 Ex. 13 Ex. 14 Ex. 15 Ex. 16 Dye 1 [1] 2.00 2.00 2.002.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Betaine-based 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.001.00 1.00 surfactant [2] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20Triethylene 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 glycol monobutylether Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [3] Olfine0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [3] Triethanolamine Urea5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30XL-2 [4] EDTA [5] 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 DPGmEE [6]DPGmPrE [7] PGmBE [8] DPGmBE [9] TPGmBE [10] PGmME [11] DPGmME [12]DPGmPE [13] PGmHE [14] PGmPrE [15] EG [16] DEG [17] TEG [18] PG [19]1.00 EGmME 1.00 [20] DEGmME 1.00 [21] DEGmEE 1.00 [22] DEGmPrE 1.00 [23]EGmBE 1.00 [24] DEGmBE 1.00 [25] DEGmPE [26] EGmHE [27] DEGmHE [28]EGmOE 1.00 [29] Water 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

TABLE 4 Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Ex. 17 Ex. 18Ex. 19 Ex. 20 Ex. 21 Ex. 22 Ex. 23 Ex. 24 Dye 1 [1] 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.002.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Betaine-based 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.001.00 surfactant [2] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Triethylene9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 glycol monobutyl ether Olfine0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [3] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [3] Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [4] EDTA [5] 0.02 0.02 0.020.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 DPGmEE 1.00 [6] DPGmPrE 1.00 [7] PGmBE [8]DPGmBE [9] TPGmBE [10] PGmME 1.00 [11] DPGmME 1.00 [12] DPGmPE [13]PGmHE [14] PGmPrE 1.00 [15] EG [16] 1.00 DEG [17] 1.00 TEG [18] 1.00 PG[19] EGmME [20] DEGmME [21] DEGmEE [22] DEGmPrE [23] EGmBE [24] DEGmBE[25] DEGmPE [26] EGmHE [27] DEGmHE [28] EGmOE [29] Water 67.27 67.2767.27 67.27 67.27 67.27 67.27 67.27 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp. Comp.Comp. Ex. 25 Ex. 26 Ex. 27 Ex. 28 Ex. 29 Ex. 30 Ex. 31 Ex. 32 Dye 1 [1]2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 Betaine-based 1.00 1.00 1.001.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 surfactant [2] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 Triethylene 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 glycolmonobutyl ether Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [3]Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [3] Urea 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [4]EDTA [5] 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 DPGmEE [6] DPGmPrE [7]PGmBE [8] DPGmBE [9] TPGmBE [10] PGmME [11] DPGmME [12] DPGmPE [13]PGmHE [14] PGmPrE [15] EG [16] DEG [17] TEG [18] PG [19] 1.00 EGmME 1.00[20] DEGmME 1.00 [21] DEGmEE 1.00 [22] DEGmPrE 1.00 [23] EGmBE 1.00 [24]DEGmBE 1.00 [25] DEGmPE [26] EGmHE [27] DEGmHE [28] EGmOE 1.00 [29]Water 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 67.67 Total 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

Bubbling (foaming) and debubbling (defoaming) were evaluated byobserving visually and observing changes in bubble height over time.More specifically, 10 g of the ink formulations of each of the examplesand comparative examples were sealed in a cylindrical glass containerhaving a diameter of 2 cm and height of 10 cm and mixed by shaking 50times followed by evaluating foaming by measuring the height (H) fromthe interface between the bubbles and liquid to the maximum height ofthe bubbles, and evaluating defoaming based on the time until the height(H) from the interface between the bubbles and the liquid to the maximumheight of the bubbles reached 0.5 H. (The experiment was carried out atan atmospheric temperature of 23 to 24° C.)

The results obtained are shown in Tables 5 to 8. TABLE 5 CompositionExamples No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Foaming [1] 5 3 5 56 6 3 5 5 3 5 4 5 5 5 6 (cm) Defoaming [2] 5 4 4 9 8 9 5 4 2 2 3 9 8 9 23 (min.)Experiment Conditions

10 g of sample ink were sealed in a cylindrical glass container having adiameter of 2 cm and height of 10 cm and mixed by shaking manually.

The experiment was carried out at a room temperature of 20 to 25° C.

-   [1] Result of measuring the height of bubbles formed immediately    after manual shaking in cm units.

[2] Result of measuring amount of time required for the number ofbubbles formed to decrease by half in minute units. TABLE 6 CompositionExamples No. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Foaming [1]6 3 4 4 5 6 3 5 4 3 5 5 4 5 5 6 (cm) Defoaming [2] 6 5 4 9 8 8 5 5 2 3 39 9 8 2 3 (min.)Experiment Conditions

10 g of sample ink were sealed in a cylindrical glass container having adiameter of 2 cm and height of 10 cm and mixed by shaking manually.

The experiment was carried out at a room temperature of 20 to 25° C.

-   [1] Result of measuring the height of bubbles formed immediately    after manual shaking in cm units.

[2] Result of measuring amount of time required for the number ofbubbles formed to decrease by half in minute units. TABLE 7 ComparativeExamples Composition No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Foaming[1] 8 8 8 9 8 9 8 8 9 8 9 8 8 9 9 9 (cm) Defoaming [2] 25 26 25 24 25 2526 26 26 27 25 26 25 24 26 24 (min.)Experiment Conditions

10 g of sample ink were sealed in a cylindrical glass container having adiameter of 2 cm and height of 10 cm and mixed by shaking manually.

The experiment was carried out at a room temperature of 20 to 25° C.

-   [1] Result of measuring the height of bubbles formed immediately    after manual shaking in cm units.

[2] Result of measuring amount of time required for the number ofbubbles formed to decrease by half in minute units. TABLE 8 ComparativeExamples Composition No. 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32Foaming [1] 9 8 9 9 9 8 9 9 9 9 9 8 9 8 9 8 (cm) Defoaming [2] 25 25 2626 27 26 26 27 26 26 25 23 26 23 24 22 (min.)Experiment Conditions

10 g of sample ink were sealed in a cylindrical glass container having adiameter of 2 cm and height of 10 cm and mixed by shaking manually.

The experiment was carried out at a room temperature of 20 to 25° C.

-   [1] Result of measuring the height of bubbles formed immediately    after manual shaking in cm units.-   [2] Result of measuring amount of time required for the number of    bubbles formed to decrease by half in minute units.

As a result of filling the ink compositions described in theabove-mentioned examples into special-purpose cartridges and printingonto a dedicated ink jet recording medium (Crispia Photographic Paper<High Gloss> (Seiko Epson Corp.)) using the PM-A700 Ink Jet Printer(Seiko Epson Corp.), printing was able to be carried out satisfactorily.

EXAMPLE B

[Preparation of Ink Composition]

Each ink composition (Examples 1 to 32 and Comparative Examples 1 to 66)was prepared by mixing and dissolving each component at the formulationratios shown in Tables 9 to 14 followed by subjecting to pressurefiltration with a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) filter having a porediameter of 1 μm.

Furthermore, each component of the ink compositions shown in Tables 9 to14 is indicated as the percent by weight of each component based on thetotal weight of the ink composition, and the balance of each compositionis comprised of water.

In Tables 9 to 14, [1] represents a magenta dye represented by formula(7), [2] a magenta dye represented by the following formula (10), [3] abetaine-based surfactant represented by formula (4), [4] anacetylenediol-based surfactant manufactured by Nissin Chemical IndustryCo., Ltd., [5] an antiseptic/antimold agent manufactured by ArchChemicals Japan Co., Ltd., [6] disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate dehydrate, [7] dipropylene glycol mono-n-ethyl ether, [8]dipropylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, [9] propylene glycolmono-n-butyl ether, [10] dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, [11]tripropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, [12] propylene glycol monomethylether, [13] dipropylene glycol monomethyl ether, [14] dipropylene glycolmono-n-pentyl ether, [15] propylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, [16]propylene glycol mono-n-propyl ether, [17] ethylene glycol, [18]diethylene glycol, [19] triethylene glycol, [20] propylene glycol, [21 ]ethylene glycol monomethyl ether, [22] diethylene glycol monomethylether, [23] diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, [24] diethylene glycolmono-n-propyl ether, [25] ethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, [26]diethylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether, [27] diethylene glycolmono-n-pentyl ether, [28] ethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, [29]diethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, [30] ethylene glycol monooctylether and [31] triethylene glycol monobutyl ether.

TABLE 9 Examples Material 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Magenta 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 dye [1] Magenta dye 2 [2] Betaine- 1.00 1.00 1.001.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 based surfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.009.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Triethanolamine 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.400.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.300.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5] EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.020.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG [7] PrDFG [8] BFG [9] 0.25 BFDG 0.25 [10] BFTG0.25 [11] MFG [12] MFDG [13] PeDFG 0.25 [14] HeFG 0.25 [15] PFP [16] EG[17] DEG [18] TEG [19] PG [20] MG [21] MDG [22] EDG [23] PrDG [24] BG[25] BDG [26] PeDG 0.25 [27] HG [28] 0.25 HDG 0.25 [29] OcG [30] Water65.02 65.02 65.02 65.02 65.02 65.02 65.02 65.02 Total 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Examples Material 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 Magenta 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 dye [1]Magenta dye 2 [2] Betaine- 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 basedsurfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31]Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.700.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10PD002W [4] Triethanolamine 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Urea5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30XL-2 [5] EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG [7] PrDFG[8] BFG [9] 5.00 BFDG 5.00 [10] BFTG 5.00 [11] MFG [12] MFDG [13] PeDFG5.00 [14] HeFG 5.00 [15] PFP [16] EG [17] DEG [18] TEG [19] PG [20] MG[21] MDG [22] EDG [23] PrDG [24] BG [25] BDG [26] PeDG [27] HG [28] 5.00HDG 5.00 [29] OcG 5.00 [30] Water 60.27 60.27 60.27 60.27 60.27 60.2760.27 60.27 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00

TABLE 10 Comparative Examples Material 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Magenta 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 dye [1] Magenta dye 2 [2] Betaine- 1.001.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 based surfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.009.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Triethanolamine 0.400.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5] EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.020.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG 1.00 [7] PrDFG 1.00 [8] BFG [9] BFDG[10] BFTG [11] MFG 1.00 [12] MFDG 1.00 [13] PeDFG [14] HeFG [15] PFP1.00 [16] EG [17] 1.00 DEG 1.00 [18] TEG 1.00 [19] PG [20] MG [21] MDG[22] EDG [23] PrDG [24] BG [25] BDG [26] PeDG [27] HG [28] HDG [29] OcG[30] Water 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 Total 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 Comparative ExamplesMaterial 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Magenta 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 dye [1] Magenta dye 2 [2] Betaine- 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.001.00 1.00 1.00 based surfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.009.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.002-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine 0.70 0.700.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Triethanolamine 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.400.40 0.40 Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.300.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5] EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6]EDFG [7] PrDFG [8] BFG [9] BFDG [10] BFTG [11] MFG [12] MFDG [13] PeDFG[14] HeFG [15] PFP [16] EG [17] DEG [18] TEG [19] PG [20] 1.00 MG [21]1.00 MDG 1.00 [22] EDG 1.00 [23] PrDG 1.00 [24] BG [25] 1.00 BDG 1.00[26] PeDG [27] HG [28] HDG [29] OcG 1.00 [30] Water 64.27 64.27 64.2764.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00

TABLE 11 Comparative Examples Material 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25Magenta 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 dye [1] Magenta dye2 [2] Betaine- 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 basedsurfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31]Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.002-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine 0.700.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Triethanolamine 0.40 0.40 0.400.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5] EDTA 0.020.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG 1.00 [7] PrDFG 1.00 [8]BFG [9] BFDG [10] BFTG [11] MFG 1.00 [12] MFDG 1.00 [13] PeDFG [14] HeFG[15] PFP 1.00 [16] EG 1.00 [17] DEG 1.00 [18] TEG 1.00 [19] PG 1.00 [20]MG [21] MDG [22] EDG [23] PrDG [24] BG [25] BDG [26] PeDG [27] HG [28]HDG [29] OcG [30] Water 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.2764.27 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 Comparative Examples Material 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 Magenta5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 dye [1] Magenta dye 2 [2]Betaine- 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 based surfactant [3]TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010[4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4]Triethanolamine 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.40 Urea 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5]EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG [7] PrDFG [8] BFG[9] BFDG [10] BFTG [11] MFG [12] MFDG [13] PeDFG [14] HeFG [15] PFP [16]EG [17] DEG [18] TEG [19] PG [20] MG 1.00 [21] MDG 1.00 [22] EDG 1.00[23] PrDG 1.00 [24] BG 1.00 [25] BDG 1.00 [26] PeDG [27] HG [28] HDG[29] OcG 1.00 [30] Water 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 64.27 65.27Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

TABLE 12 Examples Material 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Magenta 0.50 0.500.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 dye [1] Magenta dye 2 [2] Betaine- 0.600.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 based surfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.009.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Urea 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5] EDTA0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG [7] PrDFG [8] BFG 0.25[9] BFDG 0.25 [10] BFTG 0.25 [11] MFG [12] MFD G[13] PeDF 0.25 G[14]HeFG 0.25 [15] PFP [16] EG [17] DEG [18] TEG [19] PG [20] MG [21] MDG[22] EDG [23] PrDG [24] BG [25] BDG [26] PeDG 0 [27] HG 0 [28] HDG 0[29] OcG [30] Water 70.32 70.32 70.32 70.32 70.32 70.32 70.32 70.32Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 ExamplesMaterial 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Magenta 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.500.50 0.50 dye [1] Magenta dye 2 [2] Betaine- 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.600.60 0.60 0.60 based surfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.009.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.002-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine 0.70 0.700.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.300.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5] EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.020.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG [7] PrDFG [8] BFG 5.00 [9] BFDG 5.00 [10] BFTG5.00 [11] MFG [12] MFD G[13] PeDF 5.00 G[14] HeFG 5.00 [15] PFP [16] EG[17] DEG [18] TEG [19] PG [20] MG [21] MDG [22] EDG [23] PrDG [24] BG[25] BDG [26] PeDG [27] HG 5.00 [28] HDG 5.00 [29] OcG 5.00 [30] Water65.57 65.57 65.57 65.57 65.57 65.57 65.57 65.57 Total 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

TABLE 13 Comparative Examples Material 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Magenta0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 dye [1] Magenta dye 2 [2]Betaine- 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 based surfactant [3]TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010[4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Urea 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2[5] EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG 1.00 [7] PrDFG1.00 [8] BFG [9] BFDG [10] BFTG [11] MFG 1.00 [12] MFDG 1.00 [13] PeDFG[14] HeFG [15] PFP 1.00 [16] EG 1.00 [17] DEG 1.00 [18] TEG 1.00 [19] PG[20] MG [21] MDG [22] EDG [23] PrDG [24] BG [25] BDG [26] PeDG [27] HG[28] HDG [29] OcG [30] Water 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.5769.57 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00Comparative Examples Material 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 Magenta 0.50 0.500.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 dye [1] Magenta dye 2 [2] Betaine- 0.600.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 based surfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.009.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Urea 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5] EDTA0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG [7] PrDFG [8] BFG [9]BFDG [10] BFTG [11] MFG [12] MFDG [13] PeDFG [14] HeFG [15] PFP [16] EG[17] DEG [18] TEG [19] PG 1.00 [20] MG 1.00 [21] MDG 1.00 [22] EDG 1.00[23] PrDG 1.00 [24] BG 1.00 [25] BDG 1.00 [26] PeDG [27] HG [28] HDG[29] OcG 1.00 [30] Water 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

TABLE 14 Comparative Examples Material 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58Magenta dye [1] Magenta 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 dye2 [2] Betaine- 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 basedsurfactant [3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31]Glycerin 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.002-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine 0.700.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 E1010 [4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.100.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Urea 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.005.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 XL-2 [5]EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG 1.00 [7]PrDFG 1.00 [8] BFG [9] BFDG [10] BFTG [11] MFG 1.00 [12] MFDG 1.00 [13]PeDFG [14] HeFG [15] PFP 1.00 [16] EG 1.00 [17] DEG 1.00 [18] TEG 1.00[19] PG 1.00 [20] MG [21] MDG [22] EDG [23] PrDG [24] BG [25] BDG [26]PeDG [27] HG [28] HDG [29] OcG [30] Water 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.5769.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00 100.00 100.00 Comparative Examples Material 59 60 61 62 63 64 6566 Magenta 0.50 dye [1] Magenta 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 dye 2[2] Betaine- 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 0.60 based surfactant[3] TEGmBE 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 [31] Glycerin 10.0010.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 2-pyrrolidone 3.20 3.20 3.203.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 3.20 Olfine 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70 0.70E1010 [4] Olfine 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 PD002W [4] Urea5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 Benzotriazole 0.01 0.01 0.010.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 Proxel 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30 0.30XL-2 [5] EDTA 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 [6] EDFG [7] PrDFG[8] BFG [9] BFDG [10] BFTG [11] MFG [12] MFDG [13] PeDFG [14] HeFG [15]PFP [16] EG [17] DEG [18] TEG [19] PG [20] MG 1.00 [21] MDG 1.00 [22]EDG 1.00 [23] PrDG 1.00 [24] BG 1.00 [25] BDG 1.00 [26] PeDG [27] HG[28] HDG [29] OcG 1.00 [30] Water 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.57 69.5769.57 70.57 Total 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00100.00

[Evaluation of Light Resistance]

A printing test was carried out using the PM-A750 (trademark) Ink JetPrinter (trade name, Seiko Epson Corp.). The ink compositions ofExamples 1 to 32 and Comparative Examples 1 to 66 were respectivelyfilled into special-purpose magenta ink jet cartridges for use with thisprinter, and printed onto a dedicated ink jet recording medium (CrispiaPhotographic Paper <High Gloss> (Seiko Epson Corp.)) to obtain recordedarticles. The printing configuration consisted of printing with magentaonly, and the optical density (hereinafter called “OD”) of the resultingimages was adjusted so as to be within a density range of 0.9 to 1.1.The resulting recorded articles were dried for about 1 day at roomtemperature to obtain the desired recorded articles. Light resistancewas evaluated for samples obtained in this manner.

The light resistance test consisted of irradiating the recorded articleswith light under conditions consisting of a temperature of 24° C.,humidity of 60% RH and luminosity of 70000 lux using the SFT-IIfluorescent light resistance tester (trade name, Suga Test InstrumentsCo., Ltd.). OD values of the recorded articles before and afterirradiating with light were then measured using the Spectrolino(trademark) reflection densitometer (trade name, Gretag Ltd.). Therelict optical density (hereinafter called “ROD”) was then calculatedfrom the resulting OD values using the equation below. Furthermore,measurement of OD values was carried out using a D50 light source in theabsence of a light source filter and absolute white for the whitestandard at a view angle of 20°.ROD(%)=(Dn/Do)×100

(wherein, Dn indicates the OD value of the image after completion of thelight irradiation test, while Do indicates the OD value of the imagebefore the start of the light irradiation test).

Moreover, the light resistance of each color recorded on the recordedarticles was evaluated using the following evaluation criteria based onthe results of the above test. Those results are shown in Tables 15 and16. Furthermore, in this test, the smaller the decrease in ROD of therecorded article, the lower the deterioration of the image even ifexposed to fluorescent light for an extended period of time.

(Evaluation Criteria)

-   -   Level 1: ROD decreased to 70% in 11 days    -   Level 2: ROD decreased to 70% in more than 11 days upto 21 days    -   Level 3: ROD decreased to 70% in more than 22 days upto 32 days    -   Level 4: ROD decreased to 70% in more than 33 days upto 43 days    -   Level 5: ROD decreased to 70% in more than 44 days upto 54 days    -   Level 6: ROD decreased to 70% in more than 55 days upto 65 days    -   Level 7: ROD decreased to 70% in more than 66 days upto 76 days    -   Level 8: ROD decreased to 70% in more than 77 days

[Evaluation of Moisture Resistance]

A printing test was carried out using the PM-A750 (trademark) Ink JetPrinter (trade name, Seiko Epson Corp.). The ink compositions ofExamples 1 to 32 and Comparative Examples 1 to 66 were respectivelyfilled into a special-purpose magenta ink cartridge for use with thisprinter, and printed onto a dedicated ink jet recording medium (CrispiaPhotographic Paper <High Gloss> (Seiko Epson Corp.)) to obtain recordedarticles. The printing configuration consisted of printing with magentaonly to obtain the maximum optical density. Moisture resistance was thenevaluated using the resulting samples. After allowing each sample tostand undisturbed for 4 days in environment at 40° C. and 85% RH in theabsence of light, the degree of bleeding of characters and outlinecharacters was evaluated visually. The moisture resistance of eachsample was then evaluated based on the evaluation criteria indicatedbelow. Those results are shown in Tables 15 and 16.

(Evaluation Criteria)

-   -   Level 1: Remarkable bleeding of colorant, illegible characters        and outline characters    -   Level 2: Some bleeding of colorant, increased character width        and outline characters filled in    -   Level 3: Some bleeding of colorant, disturbance of character        borders    -   Level 4: Slight bleeding of colorant, some disturbance of        character borders    -   Level 5: Hardly any bleeding of colorant observed    -   Level 6: No bleeding of colorant observed

[Foaming/Defoaming Test]

Bubbling (foaming) and debubbling (defoaming) were measured by observingvisually and observing changes in bubble height over time. Morespecifically, 10 g of the ink formulations of each of the examples andcomparative examples were sealed in a cylindrical glass container havinga diameter of 2 cm and height of 10 cm and mixed by shaking 50 timesfollowed by measuring the height (H) from the interface between thebubbles and liquid to the maximum height of the bubbles, and using asthe value of “foaming” that indicates the ease of bubbling of the inkcompositions. Continuing, the time (minutes) required for the height (H)from the interface between the bubbles and the liquid to the maximumheight of the bubbles to reach 0.5 H was measured, and used as the valueof “defoaming” that indicates the ease of debubbling of the inkcompositions. (The experiment was carried out at an atmospherictemperature of 23 to 24° C.) The results are shown in Tables 15 and 16.TABLE 15 Test Example 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 ExamplesLight 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 resistance [—] Moisture 4 4 4 4 44 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 resistance [—] Foaming 5 3 5 5 6 6 3 5 5 3 5 4 5 55 6 [cm] Defoaming 5 4 4 9 8 9 5 4 2 2 3 9 8 9 2 3 [min] ComparativeExamples Light 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 resistance [—] Moisture 44 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 resistance [—] Foaming 8 8 8 9 8 9 8 8 9 89 8 8 9 9 9 [cm] Defoaming 25 26 25 24 25 25 26 26 26 27 25 26 25 24 2624 [min] Comparative Examples Test Example 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31 32 33 Light 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 5 resistance[—] Moisture 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 resistance [—] Foaming 88 8 9 8 9 8 8 9 8 9 8 8 9 9 9 3 [cm] Defoaming 25 26 25 24 25 25 26 2626 27 25 26 25 24 26 24 4 [min]

TABLE 16 Examples Test Example 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 3031 32 Light 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 resistance [—] Moisture 4 44 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 resistance [—] Foaming 6 3 4 4 5 6 3 5 4 3 55 4 5 5 6 [cm] Defoaming 6 5 4 9 8 8 5 5 2 3 3 9 9 8 2 3 [min]Comparative Examples Test Example 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 4647 48 49 Light 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 resistance [—] Moisture 44 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 resistance [—] Foaming 9 8 9 9 9 8 9 9 9 99 8 9 8 9 8 [cm] Defoaming 25 25 26 26 27 26 26 27 26 26 25 23 26 23 2422 [min] Test Comparative Examples Example 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 5960 61 62 63 64 65 66 Light 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 4 resistance[—] Moisture 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 1 resistance [—] Foaming 98 9 9 9 8 9 9 9 9 9 8 9 8 9 8 3 [cm] Defoaming 25 25 26 26 27 26 26 2726 26 25 23 26 23 24 22 3 [min]

The ink composition of the present invention can be used as aparticularly preferably ink for an ink jet printer. In addition, the inkjet recording method of the present invention can be used as an ink jetrecording method for recording onto various recording media. Moreover,the recorded article of the present invention can be used as a recordedarticle on which various information is recorded.

1. An ink composition comprising: a betaine-based surfactant representedby the following general formula (1), a defoaming agent in the form of aglycol ether represented by the following general formula (2), and/or aglycol ether represented by the following general formula (3):(R)_(p)—N-[L-(COOM)_(q)]_(r)   Formula (1) (wherein, R represents ahydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group, Lrepresents a divalent or more linking group, M represents a hydrogenatom, alkaline metal atom, ammonium group, protonated organic amino ornitrogen-containing heterocyclic group or quaternary ammonium ion group,or represents a group that does not exist as a cation in the case ofbeing a counter ion of an ammonium ion formed by an N atom in formula(1), q represents an integer of 1 or more, r represents an integer of 1to 4, p represents an integer of 0 to 4, p+r is 3 or 4, N is a nitrogenatom that composes a quaternary amine in the case p+r is 4, R may be thesame or different when p is 2 or more, COOM may be the same or differentwhen q is 2 or more, and L-(COOM)_(q) may be the same or different whenr is 2 or more);

(wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 5 or 6 carbon atoms, and nrepresents an integer of 1 to 3);

(wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 4 to 6 carbon atoms, and nrepresents an integer of 1 to 3).
 2. The ink composition according toclaim 1, wherein the betaine-based surfactant represented by formula (1)is a compound represented by the following general formula (4):

(wherein, R₁ to R₃ represent alkyl groups having 1 to 20 carbon atoms,and X represents a divalent linking group).
 3. The ink compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the betaine-based surfactant representedby formula (4) is a compound represented by the following generalformula (5).


4. The ink composition according to claim 1, wherein the defoaming agentin the form of a glycol ether is one or more types selected from thegroup consisting of ethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, diethyleneglycol mono-n-hexyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether,dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether and tripropylene glycolmono-n-butyl ether.
 5. The ink composition according to claim 1, whereinthe ratio of the content of the glycol ether to the content of thebetaine-based surfactant is a weight ratio of 1.00:0.25 to 1:5.00.
 6. Anink composition comprising: a magenta dye represented by the followinggeneral formula (6), a betaine-based surfactant represented by thefollowing general formula (1), a glycol ether represented by thefollowing general formula (2) and/or a glycol ether represented by thefollowing general formula (3):

(wherein, A represents a residue of a five-member heterocyclic diazocomponent A-NH₂, B¹ and B² respectively represent —CR¹═ or —CR²═ or onerepresents a nitrogen atom and the other represents —CR¹═ or —CR³═, R⁵and R⁶ respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom,aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, acyl group,alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group, carbamoyl group,alkylsulfonyl group, arylsulfonyl group or sulfamoyl group, each groupmay further have a substituent, G, R¹ and R² respectively andindependently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, aliphatic group,aromatic group, heterocyclic group, cyano group, carboxyl group,carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group, acylgroup, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxy group,acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group,alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, amino groupsubstituted with an alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group,acylamino group, ureido group, sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylaminogroup, aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl and arylsulfonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl and arylthio group, alkyland arylsulfonyl group, alkyl and arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group,sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group, each group may be furthersubstituted, and R¹ and R⁵ or R¹ and R³ may be bonded to form a five- tosix-member ring);(R)_(p)—N-[L-(COOM)_(q)]_(r)   Formula (1) (wherein, R represents ahydrogen atom, alkyl group, aryl group or heterocyclic group, Lrepresents a divalent or more linking group, M represents a hydrogenatom, alkaline metal atom, ammonium group, protonated organic amino ornitrogen-containing heterocyclic group or quaternary ammonium ion group,or represents a group that does not exist as a cation in the case ofbeing a counter ion of an ammonium ion formed by an N atom in formula(1), q represents an integer of 1 or more, r represents an integer of 1to 4, p represents an integer of 0 to 4, p+r is 3 or 4, N is a nitrogenatom that composes a quaternary amine in the case p+r is 4, R may be thesame or different when p is 2 or more, COOM may be the same or differentwhen q is 2 or more, and L-(COOM)_(q) may be the same or different whenr is 2 or more);

(wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 5 or 6 carbon atoms, and nrepresents an integer of 1 to 3);

(wherein, R represents an alkyl group having 4 to 6 carbon atoms, and nrepresents an integer of 1 to 3).
 7. The ink composition according toclaim 6, wherein the glycol ether is one or more types selected from thegroup consisting of ethylene glycol mono-n-hexyl ether, diethyleneglycol mono-n-hexyl ether, propylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether,dipropylene glycol mono-n-butyl ether and tripropylene glycolmono-n-butyl ether.
 8. The ink composition according to claim 6, whereinthe content of the glycol ether is 0.25 to 5.00% by weight.
 9. The inkcomposition according to claim 6, wherein the ratio of the content ofthe glycol ether to the content of the betaine-based surfactant is aweight ratio of 1.00:0.25 to 1:8.33.
 10. The ink composition accordingto claim 6, wherein the magenta dye represented by the general formula(6) is a magenta dye represented by the following general formula (7):

(wherein, R₁₁ and R₁₂ respectively and independently represent an alkylgroup, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total number of carbon atomsthat compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more when R₁₁ and R₁₂ are bothalkyl groups, these groups may be further substituted, R₁₃, R₁₄ and R₁₅respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom,aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, cyano group,carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonylgroup, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxygroup, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group,alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylamino group,arylamino group, heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group, ureidogroup, sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group, alkylor arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group,sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group, each group may be furthersubstituted, R₁₁ and R₁₅ or R₁₂ and R₁₃ may be mutually condensed into aring, X represents a hydrogen atom, aliphatic group, aromatic group orheterocyclic group, Y and Z respectively and independently represent ahydrogen atom, aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, acylgroup, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonyl group, carbamoyl group,alkylsulfonyl group, arylsulfonyl group or sulfamoyl group, and eachgroup may further have a substituent).
 11. The ink composition accordingto claim 6, wherein the magenta dye represented by the general formula(6) is a magenta dye represented by the following general formula (8):

(wherein, R₁ and R₂ respectively and independently represent an alkylgroup, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total number of carbon atomsthat compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more when both R₁ and R₂ are alkylgroups, these groups may be further substituted, R₃, R₄ and R₅respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom,aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, cyano group,carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonylgroup, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxygroup, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group,alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylamino group,arylamino group, heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group, ureidogroup, sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group, alkylor arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group,sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group, each group may be furthersubstituted, R₁ and R₅ or R₂ and R₃ may be mutually condensed into aring, R₁₁ and R₁₂ respectively and independently represent an alkylgroup, alkoxy group or halogen atom, the total number of carbon atomsthat compose the alkyl groups is 3 or more when R₁₁ and R₁₂ are bothalkyl groups, these may be further substituted, R₁₃, R₁₄ and R₁₅respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom,aliphatic group, aromatic group, heterocyclic group, cyano group,carboxyl group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, aryloxycarbonylgroup, acyl group, hydroxy group, alkoxy group, aryloxy group, silyloxygroup, acyloxy group, carbamoyloxy group, heterocyclic oxy group,alkoxycarbonyloxy group, aryloxycarbonyloxy group, alkylamino group,arylamino group, heterocyclic amino group, acylamino group, ureidogroup, sulfamoylamino group, alkoxycarbonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, alkyl or arylsulfonylamino group,aryloxycarbonylamino group, nitro group, alkyl or arylthio group, alkylor arylsulfonyl group, alkyl or arylsulfinyl group, sulfamoyl group,sulfo group or heterocyclic thio group, each group may be furthersubstituted, R₁₁ and R₁₅ or R₁₂ and R₁₃ may be mutually condensed into aring, and M represents hydrogen, lithium, sodium, potassium, ammonium oran organic amine).
 12. The ink composition according to claim 6, whereinthe magenta dye represented by the general formula (6) is a magenta dyerepresented by the following formula (9):


13. The ink composition according to claim 6, wherein the content of themagenta dye is 0.50 to 5.00% by weight based on the total weight of theink composition.
 14. The ink composition according to claim 6, whereinthe betaine-based surfactant represented by the general formula (1) is acompound represented by the following general formula (4):

(wherein, R₁ to R₃ represent an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms,and X represents a divalent linking group).
 15. The ink compositionaccording to claim 6, wherein the betaine-based surfactant representedby the general formula (1) is a compound represented by the followingformula (5):


16. The ink composition according to claim 6, wherein the ratio of thecontent of the betaine-based surfactant to the content of the magentadye is a weight ratio of 1:1.2 to 1:0.2.
 17. The ink compositionaccording to claim 1, wherein the ink composition is used in an ink jetrecording method in which recording is carried out by dischargingdroplets of the ink composition and adhering the droplets to a recordingmedium.
 18. The ink composition according to claim 17, wherein the inkjet recording method uses an ink jet head that forms ink droplets bymechanical deformation of a piezoelectric device.
 19. An ink cartridgefilled with the ink composition according to claim
 1. 20. An ink jetrecording method comprising depositing the ink composition according toclaim 1 onto a recording medium.
 21. A recorded article recorded withthe ink jet recording method according to claim 20.